Back to school 2021: How to help your child deal with separation anxiety

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Back to school 2021: How to help your child deal with separation anxiety

These tips will make all the difference in the world when dealing with an anxious child

Published: August 30, 2021 18:16 Last updated: August 30, 2021 18:33 Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Parenting Editor

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Sad child — FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN: Heading to school, especially for first-timers, is a tough ask. Suddenly, the primary caregivers are not around and they must mingle with a whole bunch of strangers. Add to this, they haven’t yet understood that when you drop them off, it doesn’t mean you’ll never see them again. United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) explains that separation anxiety is most common between the ages of six months and three years. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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NAT_190404-child-swallowing-foreign-object-1554390235188 — TELLTALE SIGNS: Is your child suffering from separation anxiety? Look for lots of tears and clinging at daycare drop off; clinginess in new situations (primarily from 6 months to 3 years); refusing to go to sleep without you or another caregiver nearby; and suddenly beginning to cry at night despite being able to sleep through the night. Unicef offers these tips to help overcome the situation. Image Credit: Getty Images

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Kid and parent — TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU WILL DO TOGETHER LATER: Part of what makes children anxious when you part is the fear that they might not see you again. Discussing plans for your return helps to ease this fear: “After I’m finished with work, I’ll come and pick you up and we can go to the playground and play on the swings together.” Image Credit: Shutterstock

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Comforting child — COMFORT YOUR CHILD WHEN THEY ARE AFRAID: When you and your child are together, listen to what they have to say. Make sure to always respond with understanding and compassion and take care not to trivialise their worries. Look for non-verbal cues as well, such as fussing or extra clinginess. Image Credit: Unsplash

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